Tips for Moving to a Colder Climate

Moving from a warm-weather state to a colder climate can seem like a daunting task. When you’re living in a place with consistent sunshine and a few inches of snow at most each winter, negative degrees and frequent blizzards are typically unwelcomed elements. However, this switch will be much easier if you are sufficiently prepared. Follow these tips to make your move to a freezing environment more bearable and maybe even enjoyable!

Buy appropriate clothing

Unfortunately, when temperatures are below freezing, the last thing on most peoples’ minds is looking fashionable. It’s time to retire the mini-dresses and forget about wearing leggings as pants. Instead, start off by investing in lots of layers. Pick up a few pairs of long underwear that you can throw on under your pants and one or two fleece layers that can be taken off during the day if you get too warm. Scarves and a good pair of gloves are obvious must-haves, but also be sure to invest in a warm jacket and heavy-duty snow boots. These will be your lifesavers for many winters to come, so don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money here. To stay especially warm, buy wool socks to wear inside your winter boots.

Make changes to your driving

Cold weather can do a number on your car, so if you’re moving to a place where you’ll be driving, make sure to take steps to keep it running properly. To prevent your car battery from freezing up, make an effort to drive or start it at least every other day for about 10 minutes. It might also be a good idea to invest in snow tires if you plan on doing a lot of driving. This will make your snowy trips safer and less accident-prone. If you can’t afford them or don’t think they are worth the investment, make a point to drive much more slowly and cautiously over ice and snow than you normally would. Also, keep a snow scraper in your car at all times; you never know when you might need one.

Protect your skin

A change in environment will most likely necessitate a change in your skincare routine. Between the harsh climate and dry heating systems, most people tend to develop much dryer skin in the winter. This can be combatted with the right products. Try to moisturize every time you get out of the shower, and keep a hand lotion and lip balm with you at all times. Dry, cracked lips and hands are uncomfortable and will undoubtedly occur if you don’t take good care of your skin in the cold.

Keep up with your usual routines

Just because your climate is different doesn’t mean your entire lifestyle needs to be. Of course small changes will need to be made to stay warm and safe, but don’t let the cold hinder you from doing what you want. If you’re someone who normally exercises outdoors, join a local gym to keep up with your workout routine instead of cutting it out entirely. Don’t ditch your social life, either; be sure to continue to make plans with friends, even if it does take a bit more effort to get out the door in the cold. It can be easy to let yourself get lazy and increasingly antisocial during the winter, but this isn’t good for your physical or mental well-being.

There is no question that freezing climates require significant efforts to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. The cold weather can be tough, but there are plenty of positives that come along with it. Get on your skis, start a fire, and embrace the winter months!

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Kali O'RourkeKali usually ends up watching movies and TV shows when she should be writing, which means she can and will beat you at any pop culture trivia game. When not found reading or wishing it was Halloween, she dreams about one day creating a TV show that ruins people’s lives (in a good way).

Mallory WalkerI spend too much time reading and watching TV. The phrase "What is the meaning of this?!" always cracks me up. Puppies, Diet Coke and the '90s make me happy. I mean really, who doesn't love the days of Marky Mark?